J. Barton Payne
Payne #25 — Isa 9:6–7
Child born, Son given, Wonderful Counselor; Payne treats the divine names as evidence of Messiah's divine nature
Child is Born
Isaiah's grand prophecy of a child born and a son given finds its simplest and most powerful echo in the angel's announcement to the shepherds: a Savior has been born in David's town.
Old Testament
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
New Testament
Luke 2:11
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Why This Matters
Isaiah's grand prophecy of a child born and a son given finds its simplest and most powerful echo in the angel's announcement to the shepherds: a Savior has been born in David's town. The weight of Isaiah's titles—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God—rested on the shoulders of an infant in a manger. God's greatest gift arrived in the humblest of circumstances.
Reflection
Christ our King, when my identity feels uncertain, remind me that Your promises in Isaiah 9:6 stand fulfilled in Luke 2:11.
Scholar Credits
📘 Payne ✓📚 Edersheim ✓
Alfred Edersheim
The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah • Appendix IX
Child born, Son given; names of the Messiah extensively discussed in Talmud (Debarim R.) and Midrash
Continue Your Journey